Non-European immigrants' self-described strategies for mental health promotion and perceptions of Finnish mental health services: A qualitative descriptive analysis

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to describe non-European immigrants' perceptions toward mental health care in Finland and the factors that support their mental health.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>Participants (N = 17) were interviewed through semistructured interviews, after which interview transcripts were analyzed using a six-phase thematic analysis process.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The participants reported that developing self-help strategies benefitted their mental health. The participants primarily preferred unprofessional help over professional mental health care. Several structural and cultural barriers to help-seeking were identified.</p><p><strong>Practical implication: </strong>Health care staff working with immigrants need proper education and knowledge to provide sufficient, holistic care; for this reason, information about the cultural differences among immigrants and cultural sensitivity should be included in basic as well as post-graduate nursing education.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Finland; immigrant; </p>